University of Missouri
5-1
California
3-2
No. 23 @MizzouWBB Beats No. 21 California 55-52, Captures Cal Classic Title
11/25/2017 3:22:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Tigers have won five consecutive games
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women's Basketball secured an impressive road victory on Saturday, downing No. 21 California, 55-52, to capture the 2017 Cal Classic Championship. Mizzou improved to 5-1 on the season with its fifth straight win. The last time the Tigers won a true road game against a Top 25 opponent in nonconference play was Jan. 5, 1983 against No. 13 UCLA. Mizzou used a well-rounded effort to edge Cal, as six different Tigers scored at least six points. Head coach Robin Pingeton's team was stout defensively, forcing 14 Cal turnovers. Mizzou led by as many as 11 late in the first half. The Golden Bears clawed their way back to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but timely clutch shots allowed Mizzou to hold off a comeback.
Turning Point
Cal tied the game at 49-49 with 3:41 remaining in the game, but Mizzou showed poise and worked an efficient offensive set that ended with a huge 3-pointer by sophomore guard Jordan Chavis. Chavis hit two key triples to provide a lift off the bench. The Tigers clamped down and got a big stop defensively and junior Sophie Cunningham converted a tough driving layup on the ensuing possession to put Mizzou back up by five, 54-49. Mizzou continued to get the stops it needed in the final two minutes to seal the road victory.
Top Tigers
- Cunningham led Mizzou with 11 points and added a season-high seven assists. She has reached double figures in 17 consecutive games dating back to last season.
- Sophomore Amber Smith poured in 11 points behind a 3-for-3 effort from beyond the arc. Her trey in the fourth quarter halted a California run down the stretch.
- Junior Cierra Porter grabbed a team-best 12 rebounds and added eight points, including an important free throw with less than 15 seconds remaining. Porter also held Cal All-American Kristine Anigwe to just 10 points on 5-of-14 shooting.
Notes
- It was Mizzou's first road win over a Top 25 opponent since beating No. 18 Texas A&M 70-69 on Feb. 26, 2015.
- It was Mizzou's first win over a Top 25 opponent in nonconference play since beating No. 12 Georgetown at the Paradise Jam on Nov. 26, 2010.
- It was Mizzou's first true road win over a Top 25 opponent in nonconference play since beating No. 13 UCLA on Jan. 5, 1983.
- Mizzou improved to 7-0 when Smith has reached double figures in her career.
- Mizzou won its second Thanksgiving tournament in the state of California in three years, capturing a title at the St. Mary's Hilton Concord Thanksgiving Classic in 2015.
- Mizzou is riding a five-game win streak, its third win streak of five or more games since the beginning of the 2016-17 season.
- Mizzou has reached five wins by the end of November for the third consecutive campaign.
- Mizzou's Porter and Smith were named to the Cal Classic All-Tournament Team. Cunningham was named Cal Classic Tournament MVP.
Up Next
No. 23 Mizzou hosts former Big 12 rival Kansas State as part of the 2017 Big 12/SEC Challenge on Thursday, Nov. 30. The game will air on SEC Network. Tip is slated for 8 p.m. CT at Mizzou Arena.
Fans can purchase tickets at MUTigers.com/buytickets or by contacting the Mizzou Ticket Office via phone at 1-800-CAT-PAWS.
